Reliability V6 vs V8
 

Hello all X5 owners,

I'm new to the site and just wanted to say Hi.
I'm currently shopping around for a 04 or 05 X5, ideally was looking at the 4.4, however I've read in cunsumer report that the 3.0 is more reliable.
How would you rank the X5 to the MDX, as far as reliability. Rather have the X5 over the MDX, just a bit concern about having to spend more money in the longterm on repairs.

Anyway, really like to know what you guys think.

Thanks in advance,
Qjody

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

once you drive an X5, you don't want to drive any other suv. the I6 is just as reliable as the V8, at least that's what i have read on this board. a later model MDX will probably have less problems, but then again, they have less features and things to malfunction. if you do purchase the X5, you must get a warranty, both for the car and maintenance...it's just better than paying thousands for parts and labor

We Have been all over that issue many times. Take your pick. But rest assured you buy a high strung woman your gonna pay the price. :rofl: :rofl: http://www.xoutpost.com/search.php?searchid=750044 :xoutpost: :band:

it's an inline-6 engine, not a V6... and as far as reliability, if that is your highest concern, you're better off with an MDX or Lexus SUV... If you're going by consumer reports... the MDX will blow away the X5 in reliability in nearly every category...

Both models of the X5 are pretty reliable if preventative maintenace is done properly at the correct intervals. I think the I6 (BMW and V6 are never in the same sentence, ever) version might be just slightly more reliable than the V8. However, as with any BMW, they're both a hoot to drive and very safe.

However, if you don't want the expense of replacing parts when necessary, you would be better off with the MDX. It's not as sophisticated so there isn't as much that could possibly fail.

There is no added reliability by going with the I6 or V8 IMO. Especially after 2003 MY.

BMW's don't generally have "engine" problems, if anything it is items like window regulators or electronics that act up.

Thanks everyone for your feedbacks and correction on calling it a V6, really appreciate it.
I'm still leaning towards the X5 V8. Anyway, I'll post some pics when I get one.

Thanks,
Qjody

I don't know about reliability - but in switching from the 3.0 to a 4.8 I have found it nowhere near as smooth and the tranny SUCKS on the 4.8... that being said you can't beat the power - love it!

You can't beat a I motor for smooth feel.

Yep...Nice thing is many of these common failures are easy to fix on your own with a little know how. I'm on my third BMW having owned two E39 540's prior to my X5 and all three have been relatively trouble free with the exception of a few regulators and radiator/water pump issues with the 540's. I was happy to see the overflow tank and the radiator were a different design on the X5 over the 4.4 540 design which had premature failure issues.

Michael